Gandalf is a fictional character in JRR Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings.  I came across a quote recently by Gandalf (Tolkien) that says, “Some believe it is only great power that can hold evil in check, but that is not what I have found. It is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay. Small acts of kindness and love.”

This reminded me of a quote I wrote about a couple of weeks ago by Martin Luther King, Jr: “Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding a deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars.  Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only love can do that.  Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”

Other people, both fictional and historical have said things along these same lines, including Jesus Christ.  Perhaps they’re onto something.  Perhaps we should pay attention.  Perhaps violence, coercion and force are not the ways to keep peace, but instead love and acts of kindness are.

Read Matthew 5, and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally!

Annie

Today’s reading: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=MATTHEW+5&version=NRSV